Minnetonka Man Charged with Possession of Methadone

A Minnetonka man is facing a felony drug charge after police say they found methadone in his car when they stopped him last week.

Steven Joseph Johns, 32, is charged with fifth-degree drug possession, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, compiled by Minneapolis Park Police, an officer was patrolling the area of West River Parkway and Portland Avenue South on March 26 when he saw a car fail to stop at a stop sign.

The officer stopped the car and spoke to the driver. During the conversation, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to the complaint.

The front-seat passenger, identified as Johns, appeared to be trying to cover a black bag with his legs, according to the police account. The officer asked Johns what was in the bag, and Johns replied, “My mom’s methadone,” the complaint says.

The officer searched the bag and found seven small bottles of methadone. Johns allegedly told the officer, “I’m sorry. I relapsed, man."

Johns is free on his promise to make all future court appearances. An omnibus hearing in his case is scheduled May 2 in Hennepin County District Court.